Construction Site Runoff
Stormwater runoff from construction sites is a major source of pollution that can degrade water quality in the San Francisco Bay. To reduce the discharge of pollution to the local storm drain system and prevent infrastructure damage, the City adopted the Construction Site Runoff Ordinance in 2013. The SFPUC now manages the Construction Site Runoff Control Program to ensure that all construction sites implement Best Management Practices (BMPs). The State of California also regulates construction site runoff for large projects.
Do the requirements apply to my project?
All construction sites, regardless of size, must implement BMPs to prevent illicit discharge into the combined or separate sewer systems. The methods presented in the Best Management Practices Handbook and Technical Standards and Guidelines are designed to prevent the discharge of sediment, non-stormwater and waste runoff from a site. These practices can be used to divert runoff away from contaminated areas or treat stormwater runoff before it is discharged to the storm drain.
Resource Links
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Projects disturbing 1 acre or more
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
To comply with the State’s Construction General Permit (CGP) and the SFPUC Construction Site Runoff Control Ordinance, the following are required:
- Prepare a CGP Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and submit an Notice of Intent (NOI) to the State (for more information)
- Submit a Construction Site Runoff Control Project Application and a copy of the SWPPP to SFPUC
Refer to the MS4 map below in order to determine if your site falls within an MS4.
Combined Sewer System (CSS)
- Submit an Erosion Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) or a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and a Construction Site Runoff Control Project Application to SFPUC
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Projects disturbing between 5,000 sq ft and 1 acre
Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP)
All construction sites must implement BMPs. However, if a construction activity within the City of San Francisco disturbs between 5,000 square feet and one acre of ground surface, it must also submit an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) and a Project Application prior to commencing construction related activities. An ESCP is a site-specific plan that details the use, location and emplacement of sediment and erosion control devices. It must include:
- the location and perimeter of the project site;
- the location of nearby storm drains and/or catch basins;
- existing and proposed roadways and drainage pattern within the project site; and
- a drawing or diagram of the sediment and erosion control devices to be used onsite.
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Projects disturbing less than 5,000 sq ft
MS4 and CSS
- Not required to apply for a Construction Site Runoff Control Permit
- Required to implement Best Management Practices applicable to the project site
How does inspection and enforcement work?
All construction sites within the City and County of San Francisco are required to implement BMPs for erosion and sediment control. Contractors and site supervisors are responsible for ensuring that BMPs are implemented and maintained throughout the construction process and that all members of the construction site team know how to implement BMPs.
In accordance with the Construction Site Runoff Ordinance, the City can inspect any construction site at any time. Contractors, site supervisors and property owners found negligent in applying BMPs and/or adhering to stormwater rules can be cited for violations, leading to civil penalties of up to $25,000 per day including all expenses associated with remediation.
Applicants must determine if their construction site requires submittal of an ESCP under the SFPUC Control of Construction Site Runoff Ordinance, or a SWPPP under the State Construction General Permit. SFPUC staff are available to advise on the applicability of these programs. For additional information, please email SFPUC Lead Inspector, Eric Burton.
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Additional Construction Site Ordinances and Permits
Batch Wastewater Discharges Permit
All construction sites in San Francisco that plan to conduct non-routine, episodic, batch, or other temporary discharges to the City's combined sewer system must obtain a Batch Wastewater Discharge Permit from the SFPUC. Examples of such discharges include: dewatering of construction sites; dewatering of wells drilled to investigate or mitigate a suspected contaminated site; power-washing of buildings or parking lots; or any other activity that generates wastewater, other than from routine commercial or industrial processes. For more information about compliance please email Eric Burton.Department of Public Health Maher Program
Certain areas of the City that were once highly industrialized, contaminated, or consist of imported fill or soil and debris from 1906 earthquake are regulated by the Maher Ordinance. These areas may contain lead and other pollutants. To protect public and worker health and safety, projects in these areas that involve more than 50 cubic yards of soil disturbance require investigation, site management and reporting subject to Article 22A of the San Francisco Health Code. For more information about compliance please email Stephanie Cushing at the San Francisco DPH Local Oversight Program or call (415) 252-3926.Port of San Francisco Building Permit
All construction activities taking place on Port of San Francisco property must receive a building permit from the Port Engineering Division before construction begins. For more information please email Anna Wallace Brust at the Port of San Francisco or call (415) 274-0558.SFPUC Construction Site Runoff Control Program Contact
Eric Burton, Supervising Wastewater Control Inspector
Collection Systems Division
Email: EBurton@sfwater.org